2011 VOSA changes to MOT

savemoney

I was thinking of changing my bulbs in main lighst on Focus to the Philips ones they do some 80% to 100% bright will these be okay

I got a MOT due soon

Lum

Those are fine, they're the same bulb just slightly brighter, like changing a 60W incandescent bulb in your hallway to a 100W one.

FWIW the Halfords ones are just as good as the Philips ones and as they seem to have a permanant 2 for 1 offer on them, they tend to work out cheaper. Just avoid the Osram Nightbreakers, one of the most aptly named bulbs I have encountered.

savemoney

Thanks Lum

Its something like these they seem to be various types

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-X-Treme-Extreme-Upgrade-Headlight/dp/B001IHHQII/ref=pd_cp_auto_3

I just like something a bit more powerful, I have come across something cars though with really powerful lights and almost blind you in built up areas

Lum

Yeah the Halfords ones are the same price for the same type/brightness but they always have that BOGOF on, and you always need two bulbs.

The cars you are complaining about are probably the badly fitted HID kits being discussed here. Do they tend to be mainly on chavvy and/or modified cars? (or can't you tell because the lights are so bloody bright!)

mickbhall

Problem solved i will take the HIDs out for mot then put them back in. (I dont have HIDs)

Chips again not sure what will go as a fail as said as long as it is in margin for emissions what is the problem?

Lum

Quite. Swapping HIDs in and out is a lot less effort than, say, swapping catalytic convertors in and out and plenty of people do that at MOT time.

I don't, but my car is old enough to not need a cat.

anewman

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I agree... if it is done properly.

Sadly too many chavs do it badly with £50 kits off ebay and 10 minutes work.

Lum wrote: »

Just avoid the Osram Nightbreakers, one of the most aptly named bulbs I have encountered.

They have since released a bulb called nightbreaker plus, of which the selling point is 50% longer life than nightbreaker. Kind of see that as an admission of a problem with the old bulbs

Lum

Oh, so now it lasts 7500 miles?

redsweenydog

HID headlights are better than the normal halogen bulbs. I drive my own vehicle fitted with HID bulbs and very rarely have to use my full beam. I can see the road signs markings cyclists and anything reflective well before drivers with dull yellow light bulbs. They are safer and this change is one step backwards for road safety. The AA web link says that it is an OR to levelling and washers and not an AND so meanining one out of the two. DRL lights are just as bright as HID lights and they are becoming compulsory. Make your mind up guys.
HID lights only burn as bright as daylight most kits fitted are 6000K nearest to daylight. I'd rather drive with safe lights to see hazards and warnings than not be able to see with dull halogen bulbs

mikey72

I had a car with two 150w KC daylighters.
I didn't need to use main beam either.
I would have rather driven with those on at night, but like poorly fitted hids, not many others liked them.